courtesy call

Obligatory friendly contact

A courtesy call is a visit or phone call made primarily out of politeness rather than pressing business—to maintain a relationship, show respect, or fulfill social obligation.

Diplomats make courtesy calls on foreign officials; salespeople make them on existing clients.

The term can carry a slightly dismissive tone, implying the interaction lacks real substance: It was just a courtesy call, nothing important.

diplomacy

ambassador

Official foreign representative

embassyOfficial diplomatic residence abroad
consulateForeign diplomatic office
envoyAccredited diplomatic representative

diplomat · delegation · protocol · bilateral · state visit · foreign minister · diplomatic mission · official visit · summit · statecraft

professional

follow-up

Subsequent action on something

appointmentScheduled time for something
consultationMeeting seeking expert guidance
callbackFollow-up audition invitation

customer service

social

check-in

Registering one's presence

drop-inUnscheduled brief visit
pop-inImpromptu brief visit
visitationOfficial or formal visit

well-wishing · paying respects · stopover · catching up · hospitality · greeting · acknowledgment

telemarketing

sales pitch

Persuasive commercial presentation

robocallAutomated prerecorded phone message
telemarketerSells products via calls
solicitationSeeking to obtain

callback · voicemail · autodial · lead generation

courtesy call

ambassador

follow-up

check-in

sales pitch

courtesy call

Opposites

Categories

Family